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What Is the Average Time to Settle a Will in Texas? (2025 Guide)

When someone passes away, their will doesn’t magically distribute property overnight. There’s a legal process to follow—and it takes time.

So, how long does it actually take to settle a will in Texas?

The short answer: Anywhere from 3 months to over a year.

Let’s break down the steps, what affects the timeline, and how to make the process as smooth as possible.

Step 1: Filing the Will for Probate (Usually 1–3 Weeks After Death)

The first step is to file the will with the probate court in the county where the deceased lived.

In Texas, the deadline to file a will is within 4 years of the date of death—but sooner is better.

Once filed, the court will:

• Review the will

• Appoint an executor

• Issue letters testamentary, giving the executor authority to act

Timeline: This usually takes 2 to 4 weeks, depending on the court’s schedule.

Step 2: Notice to Creditors and Heirs (1–3 Months)

After appointment, the executor must:

• Notify heirs and beneficiaries

• Notify known creditors

• Publish a notice to unknown creditors in a local newspaper

Creditors typically have 4 months to make claims against the estate.

During this time, the executor also gathers documents and starts managing estate assets.

Step 3: Inventory and Appraisal (2–6 Months)

The executor must prepare an inventory of all estate assets, which may include:

• Real estate

• Bank accounts

• Vehicles

• Retirement funds

• Personal property

This can take a few weeks or several months depending on:

• Complexity of the estate

• Number of assets

• Whether appraisals are needed

Step 4: Paying Debts and Taxes (1–6 Months)

Before distributing anything, the executor must:

• Pay funeral expenses

• Pay debts and valid creditor claims

• File and pay any required taxes (estate tax, income tax)

If there’s not enough cash, the executor may need to sell property to pay bills—another step that takes time.

Step 5: Distributing the Estate (1–3 Months)

Once debts and taxes are handled, the executor can:

• Distribute the remaining assets to heirs

• Close the estate with the court

This final step often moves quickly, unless there’s a:

• Will contest

• Dispute among heirs

• Missing beneficiaries

Average Timeline to Settle a Will in Texas

What Slows Down the Process?

Some common delays include:

• Disputes between heirs

• Missing or vague will provisions

• Difficulty locating assets or creditors

• Out-of-state property

• Lack of cooperation from co-executors or beneficiaries

Real-Life Example: Two Siblings, Two Timelines

• Tom filed his mother’s will, served as sole executor, and had a small, debt-free estate. He wrapped up everything in 5 months.

• Samantha had to manage a large estate with real estate, disputes among siblings, and missing documents. Her case took 18 months.

Can You Speed It Up?

Yes—by being organized and proactive:

• Hire a probate attorney early

• Gather documents before filing

• Stay on top of deadlines

• Communicate with heirs clearly

• Respond quickly to court requests

How The Lange Firm Can Help

At The Lange Firm, we help:

• File wills correctly and efficiently

• Guide executors through each step

• Resolve family or creditor disputes

• Avoid probate delays with smart estate planning

Whether you’re just starting or stuck in the middle, we’ll help keep things on track.

Final Takeaway

Most Texas wills settle in 6 to 12 months, but the timeline depends on the size and complexity of the estate.

Want to make the process easier, faster, and less stressful? Contact The Lange Firm to get experienced guidance every step of the way.